Personal statement

Based on core expertise in electrochemical sensing, analytical chemistry and device fabrication my research aims to develop improved diagnostic tests for clinically important conditions such as, drug resistant bacterial infections, COVID-19, sepsis, cancer and epilepsy.  In the group we work on a range of sensor systems, from high value microfabricated arrays, to wearables and through to low cost devices for use in resource limited settings.

I am the LGC Professor in Measurement Science for Health and lead the Centre for Advanced Measurement and Health Translation - a joint initiative with the National Measurement Laboratory (NML) at the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC) and the University of Stathclyde. The aim of the centre is to develop cutting edge interdisciplinary projects which drive new healthcare and measurement science R&D in Scotland.

In addition to academic research, translational activity is an important aspect of the group's work because we are keen to ensure that developments from the lab ultimately find real world application.  As a result of this, I am co-founder of two spin-out companies (Aureum Diagnostics and Microplate Dx) and am centrally involved in their onging R&D activity.

I joined Strathclyde in 2016 as a Chancellor's Fellow in Health Technologies, becoming a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Engineering during 2019, Reader in 2021 and moving to the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry in 2022 to become LGC Chair in Measurement Science for Health.  I have a background in biological and chemical sensing having obtained a PhD in Bioanalytical Chemistry from Cranfield University followed by periods of Post-Doctoral research at Southampton and Edinburgh Universities.  Past achievements include development of an assay for MRSA which was patented and licensed for further development, the award of a Longitude Prize Discovery Award during 2017 for a project called "Microplate" and with colleagues from the University of Leeds, development of a microelectrode sensor for prompt diagnosis of hyper inflammation.

My work is often highly interdisciplinary involving industrial partners (e.g. GSK, National Nuclear Laboratory, AstraZeneca, Lifescan, Aptamer Group, Flexmedical Solutions, Biotangents and other SMEs) and projects rely on close collaboration with other academics, including: clinicians, microbiologists, neuroscientists, electrical engineers and chemists. 

Areas of particular interest include: electrochemical and optical techniques, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), microfabricated sensor systems and microelecrode sensor arrays for multi target diagnostic assays. I also have expertise of electrochemical sensing in harsh and extreme environments and aqueous & non aqueous electroplating.  Prior to joining Strathclyde, I was involved in developing a microelectrode sensor for use in nuclear fuel reprocessing (as part of the EPSRC sponsored "REFINE" project) and played a role in designing and comissioning an open access national facility for nuclear fuel reprocessing research at the University of Edinburgh.